Gluten-free doesn’t have to mean boring. Sure, you can’t eat regular bread and other tasty wheat treats, but there are plenty of other options out there when you want to satisfy a craving, gluten-free style.
In fact, many gluten-free foods may surprise you. You might even have a handy stash in your pantry currently.
Gluten-free foods
Here are a few that just might hit the spot:
- Potatoes
- Snickers chocolate bars
- Macarons – always ask though!
- Pavlova
- Rice
- Marshmallows
- Potato chips are often gluten-free, Proper Crisps definitely are!
- Corn
- Quinoa
- Nuts and seeds
- Natural popcorn
- Yoghurt
A word of warning: unless you are gluten-free because of a dietary requirement, many nutritionists recommend eating a mixture of foods that both contain and exclude gluten.
“A gluten-free diet can be nutritionally balanced, but it can tend to be a bit low in wholegrain fibres and B-group vitamins,” says senior nutritionist at Nutrition Australia, Aloysa Hourigan.
She advises “people seek help from a dietitian to ensure a nutritional balance is reached. This is especially important for growing children.”
Contrary to popular contention, gluten-free does not necessarily equate to healthy. “Many gluten-free products contain ingredients that are high GI and have empty calories,” says dietitian and culinary nutritionist for The Food Crafters and Healthy Home Cafe Caroline Trickey.
“Shoppers need to look closely at the labels on their food and determine the nutritional integrity of a product before adding it to the trolley.”
For another delicious snack idea, try our Gluten-Free Carrot and Pistachio Cake.